Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Raw Deal Band is a wedding music ensemble based in New Orleans, LA. Offering a scintillating performance of funk and soul hits, this energetic group offers a performance that is full of fire. Their raw, passionate vocalists and smooth, talented musicians present a seamless blend of melodious beats and flawless harmonics.
With four amazing vocalists, a world-class horn section, and a menagerie of highly talented artists, Raw Deal Band is here to bring the party to your event. Playing the beloved music of Earth, Wind and Fire, Prince, Rick James, and many others, this band is a blazing flashback to the golden age of classic, soulful funk. Playing with some of the city’s most popular acts, this band has proven itself as a collection of talented musicians, all ready to entertain you.
Couples interested in seeing this group for themselves are welcome to contact them to learn more. Along with playing the classic hits of the 70s and 80s, this group is also open to learning new songs upon request. They supply all their own equipment for every event, letting you relax as they entertain your guests all night long.
Raw Deal has received the "Best Of Weddings" award from The Knot in 2023, 2022, and 2021.
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Prices & packages
Couples usually spend $6,500
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Details
Instruments
Bass
Guitar
Keyboard
Saxophone
Trumpet
Vocals
Music Genres
R&B
Music Services
Live Music
MC Services
Recorded Music
Sound Equipment
Wedding Activities
Rehearsals & Parties
After Party
Wedding
After Party
Ceremony
Reception
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Noah Young
Manager
Hello! My name is Noah and I'm the bassist/bandleader for Raw Deal. We cut our teeth playing high energy shows on Frenchmen Street for 4 + years before transitioning into the wedding scene in 2020. Our repertoire consists completely of music that we love and feel passionate about playing, and it shows in our performances. We combine outstanding musicianship, great songs, and a fun-loving attitude to make a party experience that everyone can enjoy. We are ready to be the perfect band for your special day. Please feel free to reach out with any questions
Availability
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0
29 reviews
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Raw Deal Band is highly praised by multiple wedding attendees for their exceptional performance, professionalism, and talent, with guests constantly complimenting their energy and ability to keep the party going. Reviewers mention that the band is accommodating, communicative, and brings top-notch entertainment to weddings, creating unforgettable memories with their music. From their seamless communication and coordination to their diverse song selection, Raw Deal Band comes highly recommended for couples seeking a lively and vibrant atmosphere at their wedding reception.
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Mary Katherine L
5.0
2/20/2025
My husband and I could not have picked a better band to play at our wedding! Raw Deal Band kept the energy going all night. They were communicative, accommodating, and, of course, were PHENOMENAL. Every single guest that we have spoken to since our wedding has given glowing reviews of Raw Deal Band and mentioned how amazing they were. My husband and I could not recommend a better band than Raw Deal Band!
Taylor M
5.0
1/15/2025
Raw Deal band was incredible at our wedding! They really got the party going. Noah was very accommodating to our requests. Every single musician in the group is mega talented, so together they were better than we could have imagined!
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Pamela O
5.0
1/09/2025
Raw Deal was terrific!! Everyone who attended our wedding couldn't stop talking about them. My husband and I knew we wanted to hire them for our wedding after we saw them play at a friend's wedding years before we got engaged. Thanks to the Raw Deal, my husband and I had our first dance to "Pony" by Ginuwine. This was unplanned and is now a fun memory. They brought all the best vibes. Their whole team is so kind, professional, and incredible artists. If you want your wedding to have top-notch entertainment, you must hire Raw Deal ASAP!
julia m
5.0
1/08/2025
Raw Deal was the arguably the best part about my wedding. I got constant complements from guests. I spent my entire wedding dancing and listening to the band - I didn't want to miss one song. The energy and professionalism they brought to the event was unmatched. Highly recommend.
Leslie B
5.0
1/03/2025
Raw Deal MADE our wedding reception! Being from Louisiana, we wanted to hire the best band to show our guests a good time! Everyone was on the dance floor from beginning to end and my dad even got on stage! Noah was extremely easy to communicate with and the band was so talented, gracious, and fun!! 10/10 recommend!!
Andriu Y
5.0
1/03/2025
Raw Deal was amazing. They are so much more fun than your average wedding band! Totally made the night for us 😊
Alexandra K
5.0
1/02/2025
Truly the best band imaginable for our wedding! Cannot recommend them highly enough. They were able to handle everything we threw at them, such as specific song requests (made in advance from a large list of songs they know), arrangement changes on first dances (shorter), and the chill music vs. dance music mix was fantastic. Talented and energetic, professional and also able to read the energy of the room. Will re-iterate: Truly the best band imaginable for our wedding! Cannot recommend them highly enough.
Lesley L
5.0
9/07/2024
We wanted a band that truly reflected the liveliness and warmth of our city, and Raw Deal fit the bill perfectly. We hired them both for a second line from our ceremony and as our reception band, and they absolutely elevated our wedding. For their opening number to kick off the second line, they played ‘Signed Sealed Delivered’ which our hashtag was a play on, and it instantly pumped up all the love and joy. They even learned a Jon Batiste song for us, and both myself and our guests were blown away seeing the drummer flawlessly rap while drumming. They also did an amazing ‘Hava Nagila’ for us, as well as their usual songs that kept our loved ones tearing up the dance floor. Many of our guests asked us who the band was and how we found such a fantastic band. Raw Deal is the perfect band for those who genuinely love music—they’re all incredibly talented, with a very distinctive sound and playlist that’s rare for wedding bands. They aren’t your gimmicky, flashy special event cover band—they’re funky, soulful artists who bring the heat. Noah was incredibly easy to work with, and he was especially kind to me after we had to delay the band starting because my Dad was having medical issues. They were one of the best decisions we made for our wedding, and we love getting to see them playing around town at festivals and special concerts. I’ll be recommending them to everyone!
Rachael S
5.0
7/01/2024
Do not hesitate on hiring Raw Deal! Noah was fantastic to work with. He even coordinated our second line band! Every guest we spoke to said how Raw Deal was the best event band they’ve ever heard. Each set got better and better and more and more fun! They truly are the top Nola wedding band and you will NOT regret having them! Thank you for making our night so unforgettable and fun!!
Jennifer J
5.0
4/01/2024
Beyond our wildest dreams, thank you SO much! We danced our a**es off all night, wish we could have hired them til dawn. Noah did my ceremony and it was wonderful. Everything was easy and we made great memories. I can't believe how talented they are
Lance U
5.0
2/19/2024
Raw Deal was the perfect band for our wedding. Many of our guests are in the music industry and they all raved about how incredible Raw Deal was. Also, working with Noah before the wedding was seamless- he makes himself available for everything- a total pro. There is no better wedding band for a New Orleans wedding.
Danielle P
5.0
2/09/2024
Raw Deal was absolute perfection at our wedding. They're reliable, professional and very talented group of musicians and singers. Our guests raved about the band. They made our wedding night so much fun and unforgettable! Highly recommend Raw Deal.
Maggie B
5.0
7/12/2023
Raw Deal is not only an exceptional band full of very talented musicians but they are reliable, communicative, and professional. They made our wedding so special and kept the party alive.
Sharon L
5.0
3/17/2023
I was looking for a fun, high-energy band that would make my guests feel like they were dancing in a music club on Frenchmen Street. This is exactly what I got from Raw Deal! The level of talent was off the charts and everyone was on the dance floor. Most of their songs are in the funk/80's/soul genres; think Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Earth Wind and Fire. Someone asked me how I managed to find a "Michael Jackson sing-a-like" for the wedding! I'm so happy we went with this band and would highly recommend them to anyone who loves this kind of music. The cost was $4,550 for three hours of music plus their sound system, plus tip, which is reasonable for an eight-piece band.
Erin C
5.0
11/29/2022
What an amazing group! We heard Raw Deal play at a holiday party in 2021 and knew we had to book them for our wedding. They knew exactly what to play at what time to match the mood of the afternoon and kept our guests – from my 1-year-old niece to my 85-year-old aunt – living it up on the dance floor. So funky, so fun. We’d book them again in a minute!
Mike T
5.0
11/18/2022
Seriously, what are you waiting for? Do you want a wedding band? Or a band of wildly crazy talented local musicians that team up like the Avengers to fill your wedding's dance floor with kinetic energy you didn't know was possible. While choosing your partner is likely the best decision you'll ever make, booking Raw Deal is a surefire close second. Oh, and they are the nicest, easiest people to work with. We can't thank them enough for playing at our wedding.
Marissa M
5.0
7/18/2022
I was so nervous choosing a band but Raw Deal made it so easy. They play an absolutely fantastic set that everyone can enjoy. Also, they learned the hora dance for us and absolutely crushed it! Many of our guests have mentioned that as a highlight from our wedding.
In addition to the funky music, they're just a really fun, kind bunch of people and very professional to work with. We would recommend them again and again. THANK YOU!
Gilberto F
5.0
7/08/2022
From start to finish, people were asking me for the name of this band. Wide variety of love songs and funk to dance to.
Stephen A
5.0
7/08/2022
Raw Deal is the absolute real deal. Our guests danced the entire time they played at our wedding and they left everyone at the party smiling with joy. Multiple friends asked for their setlist in the days after our wedding and we have created a playlist so we can revisit their set. Booking and scheduling was incredibly easy and, thanks to the services they offered, they were able to coordinate the sound. Plus they were willing to learn special songs for our party. They are so collaborative, easygoing, and joyful. We may have to renew our vows in a few years so we have the opportunity to book Raw Deal again.
Alexander D
5.0
12/21/2021
This band knows how to bring the fun(k) and get people dancing. Noah and his team are communicative and flexible to make sure your wedding is a dance party to remember. People from ages 18-70+ were out there having fun and all told us how much they loved the band.
Taylor H
5.0
12/17/2021
Incredible wedding band! Everyone at our wedding was talking about them for weeks after. 10/10.
Cynthia R
5.0
11/12/2021
Raw Deal was exactly the type of band we were looking for! We gave them a "no play" list and the set that they played was excellent. The whole band had great energy and the singers were excellent performers. All of our wedding guests had a blast and were very impressed with their performance. If we were getting married again we would hire them again in a heart beat :)
AJ D
5.0
10/18/2021
I did not want a band but my bride did and this was the best decision! We both were so so pleased and our guests were also. So much energy! We had many compliments about the band. They were just wonderful. Also, I would like to mention that they were easy to deal with and provided great communication.
Mary Catherine F
5.0
9/28/2021
Raw Deal Band was amazing to work with! They are so talented and kept the party going all night long! I could not recommend them more! We are forever grateful that they performed at our wedding!
Brittany R
5.0
4/21/2020
So incredibly happy my husband and I booked Raw Deal. They are so much more than your average wedding band. Great sound and performance, fantastic musicians, and a huge playlist to choose so their set fits your tastes. As well, they offered to learn 2 new songs chosen by us and absolutely crushed the Radiohead request. Professional in communication and fair pricing. Also flexible when adding other vendors like a DJ.
Andrew S
5.0
3/06/2020
Raw Deal absolutely killed it! One of my groomsmen helped to book them and boy, did they deliver! These musicians are some of the baddest in town and their arrangements of the funky hip soul and R&B were exactly what we wanted for our party! A lot of our guests are musicians from New Orleans and around the country and they all had an amazing time on the dance floor. Raw Deal was so easy to work with from when we hired them through the day of the gig. There's a lot of awesome live music options in New Orleans, but Raw Deal is one of the cleanest, most fun, most hard-grooving groups I've seen here!
Alison E
5.0
3/06/2020
Raw Deal played at my wedding and they were absolutely phenomenal! They were easy to work with, professional, punctual, and are extremely talented musicians. You are getting serious quality when you book them, not some mediocre wedding band! They are in New Orleans, after all, a city of amazing musicians. We had friends and family of all ages, people from New Orleans and people from the Northeast and other parts of the country, and everyone raved to us about the band. I definitely recommend them!
Darrell S
5.0
3/05/2020
One of the most phenomenal bands I've ever heard! They Kept everyone at our wedding Dancing from start to finish. My wife and I were so pleased! I Highly and Enthusiastically recommend them!!
Andy B
5.0
2/03/2020
Raw Deal was the perfect entertainment for my best friend's wedding! He and the bride are both musicians, so they needed world-class performers who would not only entertain the crowd, but play at a level entertaining to the many musicians present. They blew everyone away, and were the talk of the reception. In addition to being excellent musicians, they were a joy to work with in the booking process, communicated clearly about all of their needs and expectations, and were very receptive to the needs and expectations of the bride and groom. I can't recommend this group highly enough!
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Raw Deal Band
Noah Young
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Manager
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